Remember my word(s) of the year? Beautiful, right? When you walk into my house, you’ll see Angela Doell’s beautiful script reminding me of those words right there on my wall. She not only makes gorgeous art, but she’s fascinating, deep and she loves Jesus. I met Angela through Gather a couple years ago, and am so glad I did! Her thoughts on our various Ellen’s Picks titles have been so valuable, and I have resonated with her experiences and learnings.

Since one of my favourite things is introducing my friends to each other, I asked Angela 20 questions. Here’s what she had to say!

1. What’s the story behind your name?

My name is Angela Sunshine. My dad chose Sunshine, inspired by John Denver’s “Sunshine on my Shoulders.” My parents weren’t hippies or anything – They just really liked the name. In fact, Sunshine would have been my first name if our last name wasn’t Burns.

2. Favourite thing about yourself?

I have a pretty accurate intuition about people. I call it my spidey-sense. It’s really helpful.

3. What’s your favourite meal?

I’m almost always going to choose the burger on a menu.

4. Would you bungee jump?

Yes! (Why haven’t I done it yet?!)

5. Favourite type of shoes?

Birkenstocks. This horrifies my children.

6. What experience has shown you how strong you are?

Raising two kids to be great humans. We have a 20 year old daughter and 17 year old son and they are easily the best and hardest work I’ve done. (And I’m not finished yet!)

7. Favorite ice cream?

Dairy Queen dipped cone. I’m craving one now.

8. What is the first thing you notice about a person?

Their posture and presence. I love studying people actually. That’s probably creepy but it’s true.

9. Biggest leadership challenge?

I’m a pretty intense introvert with a great respect for and commitment to community and teamwork. Managing my own energy and focus is always a bit of a challenge as a pastor. I’ve learned that sabbath is non-negotiable for me so that there’s plenty of internal resource to pour out.

10. Last thing you ate?

A chunk of parmesan. I’m making dinner and just snuck a little sample.

11. What’s on your current playlist?

Oh man. I’ve listened to Hillsong, Bethel, Shaggy, The Chainsmokers, and Young MC in the last 24 hours.

*Note from Ellen: this might be my favorite answer to this question. 🙂

12. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

Yellow

13. Favourite book?

Oh so hard to choose! Daring Greatly (Brene Brown) was a game changer for me.

14. Favourite movie?

Sleepless in Seattle.

15. Favourite Holiday?

I’m a hardcore summer girl… Do summer holidays count?

16. Night owl or morning person?

I love morning the most because it involves coffee.

17. Farthest you’ve ever traveled?

Uganda

18. Dream job?

In my dream world, I’m an artist, creating beautiful things all day at my leisure without any pressure or deadlines or interruptions. I’d probably be bored before long, but a girl can dream.

19. Biggest leadership inspiration?

My parents. I’m blessed with a mom and dad who really are the most committed, passionate and authentic people. They have a large platform but they’re even better up close than from a distance. I’ve been around long enough to know that’s rare.

20. Favourite place on earth?

Home. Traveling is fun but home is the prize.

Angela is a pastor, communicator and creative. She serves as the executive pastor at Relate Church in Surrey, BC.

She is passionate about words and is an introvert with a few things to say. Angela has been married for twenty-two years to Rod. Together they have two tall children, Madi and Miller. Angela and Madi enjoy creating hand lettered script at Sunshine Ink Co.